Mariners 7, White Sox 6

Relief Pitching, Execution Both Missing In Action

May 07, 1997|By Phil Rogers, Tribune Staff Writer.

When asked about his team's execution, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach John McKay once replied, "I'm in favor of it." Terry Bevington could have echoed those sentiments after enduring the Seattle Mariners' 7-6 victory over the White Sox Tuesday night.

On the other hand, Bevington's players might wonder why their manager remained so loyal to left-hander Tony Castillo while the Mariners were scoring four runs in the eighth inning. The winning rally included a leadoff walk and four hits, including Russ Davis' double off the top of the wall in left-center, all off Castillo (2-3).

"They weren't hitting the ball hard," said Bevington, who hasn't used closer Roberto Hernandez before the ninth this year. "They hadn't hit the ball hard. I just think (Castillo) had some tough luck. I don't think the numbers reflected how he pitched."

Castillo's troubles were exacerbated by center-fielder Dave Martinez's twice overthrowing the cutoff man. His throw home after a run-scoring single by Alvaro Espinoza sailed over the head of third baseman Norberto Martin, allowing Espinoza to take second. That proved fatal. Rob Ducey, running for Espinoza, scored the winning run on Rich Amaral's bloop two-run single to right field.

Martinez said afterward that Martin--playing third because Chris Snopek was ill and Tony Phillips suspended--could have cut off the crucial throw. But there was no reason to throw through to the plate as Davis stopped at third.

"The only thing I heard was Albert (Belle) screaming, `Home, home,' " Martinez said. "I picked it up and threw it. . . . I thought (the throw) would be cut off, both throws."

While the Sox scored more than four runs for the first time since April 25, thanks partly to homers by Belle and Ron Karkovice, Bevington gained no job security. His team is 3-3 on the homestand and 10-19 overall. And Randy Johnson awaits Wednesday.